What is a Resolution

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What is a Resolution?

• General information about resolutions
• By Michelle Rogers

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The definition of a Resolution

• A resolution is a written statement that, when
  adopted by the House of Delegates, is the basis
  for the policies and actions of the Florida
  Nurses' Student Association. Resolutions are
  presented on matters of importance to FNSA , its
  members and constituent associations, nursing,
  and the health needs of the public.
• Resolutions should be statewide in scope, and
  should fall within the purposes and functions
  stated in the FNSA Bylaws.

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What that means

• In laymans terms, a Resolution is a way to let
  others know how the FNSA feels about certain
  topics.
• It is a statement of what we believe to be about
  a certain topic.
• A Resolution can be about things that dont
  normally fit into a nursing setting, that is the
  great part of a Resolution.

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Types of Resolutions

• A. "Resolutions of Substance" serve as one means
  by which opinions may be expressed, purposes of
  FNSA can be implemented, and directions given for
  future action.
• B. "Courtesy Resolutions" communicate recognition
  for contributions made to FNSA by groups or for
  individuals.
• C. Emergency Resolutions a resolution on a
  topic that arises subsequent to the resolutions
  deadline date. The deadline for emergency
  resolutions is 5pm on the opening day of the
  annual meeting.

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What makes up a Resolution?

• A resolution is composed of two parts "whereas"
  clauses that summarize, with documentation, the
  reasons and rationale for the resolutions
• and "resolved" clauses that contain the position
  to be taken on the issue and/or actions to be
  taken by FNSA, its constituent associations, and
  its members.

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Why should I submit a Resolution?

• FNSA encourages constituents to use a resolution
  to submit stands on issues to the House of
  Delegates.
• The discussions at Resolutions Hearings and on
  the floor of the House insure that the issue, its
  costs and implementation, have all been carefully
  considered by the delegates prior to voting.

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THE RESOLUTIONS PROCESS

• Choosing the Topic and Positions/Actions to be
  Taken
• The first step in the resolutions process is
  choosing the topic you want the House of
  Delegates to vote on and pass and the positions
  and/or actions you want FNSA to take.
• Topics must be statewide in scope and
  implementable within FNSA's purposes and
  functions as stated in the FNSA Bylaws.
• For your reference the past 10 years of complete
  resolutions and a topical index can be found on
  the FNSA Website, www.FNSA.org click on
  PUBLICATIONS/RESOLUTION TOPICS. Duplication of
  any current FNSA policies is not recommended.
  However, a resolution of reaffirmation may be
  written if it has been more than five years since
  the policy was established.

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Documenting the Need

• The "whereas" clauses state the need for the
  resolution and must be accompanied by current
  written documentation (references). Documentation
  of "whereas" statements can include journal
  articles, web site articles, text and reference
  books, materials from other organizations, and
  speeches, as well as research experiences.
  However, it is strongly suggested that a majority
  of the references used come from current
  professional journals and appropriate sources.
  The documentation can not be more than 5 years
  old unless the information is historical in
  nature, and should be factual, rather than
  opinion.
• Copies of the documentation, in addition to a
  complete bibliography, must accompany the
  resolution when it is submitted. Each whereas
  statement must be referenced, using APA1 format,
  with corresponding documentation underlined for
  ease of identification. All articles used for
  documentation of whereas clauses must be
  submitted in their entirety. No partial
  references will be accepted.

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Writing the Resolution

• Whereas clauses using the documentation
  obtained, specifically explain and defend the
  issue. Be concise and to the point and keep as
  short as possible. Citation and complete current
  reference must be provided for each whereas
  clause. The citation must include author, year,
  and page number.
• For example WHEREAS, in 2002, 22.3 of
  Emergency Department visits were classified as
  emergent, and 34.2 were urgent (McCaig Burt,
  2004, p. 4) and
• 1. Publication Manual of the American
  Psychological Association
• First resolved statement this clause should
  contain the statement of belief, philosophy, or
  commitment that you want FNSA to take on the
  issue. Resolved statements must reflect the topic
  statement.
• For example "RESOLVED, that the FNSA advocate
  that those on any substance consistently, whether
  prescription or non prescription medications,
  compile and carry a list of those substances on
  themselves and be it further
• Remaining resolved statements list the desired
  implementation of the resolution, i.e., the
  actions to be taken, such as letters to be sent,
  and the names of organizations and agencies that
  should receive a copy of the resolution.

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Submitting the Resolution

• FNSA state and school constituents, FNSA Board of
  Directors and FNSA committees may each submit one
  resolution, authored by FNSA members, for
  consideration by the House of Delegates.
  Resolutions submitted to FNSA must follow the
  Policies and Procedures for FNSA Resolutions that
  are contained in this handbook.
• Specifically, resolutions must
• Be typed, double-spaced, following the format of
  the sample resolution in this handbook.
• Be postmarked by the deadline date, 10-02-2006
• Be submitted by an FNSA constituent school or
  state, the FNSA Board of Directors, or an FNSA
  committee.
• Be authored by an FNSA member.

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The next step

• The next step in the Resolutions Process is the
  Resolution Authors Meeting, which takes place on
  Tuesday and Wednesday at the annual convention.
  All authors (or their representatives) must
  attend this meeting exact time and place will be
  determined when authors sign up for meetings at
  convention.
• At this time, the authors will meet with a member
  of the Resolutions Committee. The committee
  member will assist authors to construct a
  resolution that is acceptable to the FNSA House
  of Delegates and, at the same time, will ensure
  meaningful, quality resolutions. (Consult Getting
  the Pieces to Fit for the complete list of the
  Resolutions Committee's duties.) Authors should
  be prepared to clarify documentation, and to
  assist in the editing and/or rewriting of their
  resolutions, if necessary. Extra copies of
  documentation should be brought by the authors to
  this meeting.

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Board of Directors Review

• After resolutions have been completed by the
  Resolutions Committee and the authors, they are
  reviewed by the FNSA Board of Directors for
  legality and feasibility of implementation. Once
  the board review is completed, a resolution
  becomes the property of the House of Delegates.

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The fun stuff!

• Resolutions Hearings Resolutions are formally
  discussed in the Resolutions Hearings before
  being debated on the floor of the House of
  Delegates. At this time, editorial and other
  changes not affecting the content of the
  resolution may be made.
• Authors must be present when their resolution is
  presented at the hearings. They will give a three
  minute speech on their resolution and be given
  the opportunity to accept or reject the changes
  made by the delegates in the House. All delegates
  are required to attend all hearings.
• Documentation Review Complete documentation for
  all resolutions is available for review by
  delegates during designated hours. Refer to the
  official program book for a list of hours and
  location.

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Who decides?

• House of Delegates
• The House of Delegates is the voting and
  decision-making body of FNSA. When a resolution
  reaches the House floor, it may be amended by any
  delegate. In order for a resolution to become
  FNSA policy and be implemented, it must be
  adopted by the House of Delegates. Authors will
  give a two minute pro statement about their
  resolution to the House of Delegates.

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Quick Tips!!!

• STRATEGIES
• Here are some hints to help you get your
  resolution passed
• 1. Be concise. The delegates will get copies of
  all resolutions and this means a lot of reading.
  If your
• resolution is too wordy, it will not get the
  attention it deserves. Try and limit your
  resolution to five
• "whereas" clauses choose the strongest five
  facts and use the others in discussion and
  debate.
• Resolutions should not be longer than 2 pages.
• 2. Be realistic. The resolved statements should
  include specific actions that are realistic and
• implemental. Resource availability (both human
  and financial) will affect the implementability
  of
• resolutions.
• 3. Be positive. A positive approach always works
  better than a negative one. Write positive
  statements,
• and address the issue positively when you are
  speaking to it.
• 4. Be knowledgeable. Know the facts about all
  parts of your resolution. Be aware of other
  resolutions that
• have been passed on your issue and be sure to
  state in your resolution why reaffirmation of the
  same
• stand is timely.

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More tips.

• 5. Gather support and assistance. Your school
  and/or state should not be the only ones involved
  in getting your resolution passed. Try to involve
  other chapters and members in supporting your
  resolution. Lobby at caucuses, in hallways, and
  elevators. Share your facts and ask others to
  come to the microphone to speak pro to your
  resolution. This will not only help you get your
  resolution passed, it will also encourage other
  FNSA members to get involved.
• 6. Use your time at the microphone wisely. As the
  author, you will have an opportunity to speak to
  the resolution first. Remember that the delegates
  have a copy, so don't read it to them. Instead,
  take this opportunity to state some of the facts
  that might not be included in the "whereas"
  clauses. You will have 2 minutes to speak to the
  resolution.
• 7. Be available. Make sure you are available to
  the Resolutions Committee at all hearings and to
  the House of Delegates to answer questions. Be on
  time for all meetings and hearings.
• 8. Have your documentation handy. Make sure you
  have at least two copies of your documentation
  with you many questions will be asked at
  late-night caucuses when the documentation you've
  sent to the committee is unavailable.
• 9. Read this handbook carefully. If you have any
  questions, don't hesitate to contact the FNSA
  office.

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ANY QUESTIONS???

• Question and Answer
• Time

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How to Contact Michelle

• Email flnursemichelle_at_aim.com
• Home phone [phone]
• Cell phone [phone]
• [phone] (old number

• Home address
• 8423 Arbour Lake Dr. 103
• Leesburg, Fl 34788